Fluid-elastomeric damper assembly including internal pumping mechanism

ABSTRACT

A fluid-elastomeric damper assembly operable for damping relative motion between a first structure and a second structure including a housing structure grounded to the first structure and a plurality of elastomer seals coupled to the housing structure, the housing structure and the plurality of elastomer seals defining a fluid-elastomeric chamber operable for containing a fluid. The fluid-elastomeric damper assembly also including one or more piston structures disposed within the housing structure and the fluid-elastomeric chamber, the one or more piston structures grounded to the first structure and driven by the second structure, and the one or more piston structures each including a first substantially fluid-filled chamber and a second substantially-fluid-filled chamber in communication via an orifice, the first substantially fluid-filled chamber and the second substantially fluid-filled chamber also in communication with the fluid-elastomeric chamber. The housing structure is operable for pumping the fluid through the orifice.

This Application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/703,068 filed Nov. 6, 2003, which is a Continuation-in-Part (CIP) ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/288,868 filed Nov. 6, 2002, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,758,466, the priority to which are hereby claimed, and arehereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a damper assembly used tocontrol movement/vibration in a mechanical system or the like. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a fluid-elastomericdamper assembly including an internal pumping mechanism. Thefluid-elastomeric damper assembly may be used, for example, to controlmovement/vibration in the lead-lag direction of the rotor of arotary-wing aircraft or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional fluid-elastomeric damper assemblies (also referred to as“fluidlastic®” damper assemblies commercially available from LordCorporation, 111 Lord Drive, POBOX 8012, Cary, N.C. 27511) typicallyincorporate an elastomer seal, such as a rubber seal or the like,containing a fluid, such as hydraulic fluid or the like. This elastomerseal is bonded, fixedly attached, or otherwise coupled to the majormetal components of the fluid-elastomeric damper assembly which are, inturn, fixedly attached or otherwise coupled to one or moremoving/vibrating structures. These moving/vibrating structures mayinclude, for example, the flex-beam and the pitch case of the rotor of arotary-wing aircraft or the like. The elastomer seal is used to pump thefluid through a restriction, such as one or more orifices or the like,creating an increase in the fluid pressure which reacts against theelastomer seal surface, resulting in a damping force resisting themovement/vibration of the one or more moving/vibrating structures. Thefluid may be pumped, for example, from one chamber disposed within theelastomer seal or an associated structure to another chamber disposedwithin the elastomer seal or an associated structure, or from onechamber formed by the major metal components of the fluid-elastomericdamper assembly to another chamber formed by the major metal componentsof the fluid-elastomeric damper assembly.

Advantageously, the elastomer seal is substantially leak-resistant andis capable of accommodating movement/vibration in a plurality ofdirections. However, in order to create a desired damping force, thevolume stiffness, i.e., the elastomer stiffness reacting the fluidpressure, of the fluid-elastomeric damper assembly must be sufficientlyhigh and the observed increase in the stiffness of the elastomer sealwhich results from the increased fluid pressure must be limited towithin a predetermined range. This is not always possible, for example,in the control of movement/vibration in the lead-lag direction of therotor of a rotary-wing aircraft or the like.

Thus, what is needed is a fluid-elastomeric damper assembly includingone or more elastomer seals, but also including an internal pumpingmechanism that does not rely on the one or more elastomer seals to pumpthe fluid through the restriction, i.e., through the one or moreorifices. This would allow for the creation of relatively higher dampingforces in relation to the elastomer stiffness for resisting relativelygreater movement/vibration of the one or more moving/vibratingstructures than is possible with conventional fluid-elastomeric damperassemblies. Although the assemblies, mechanisms, and methods of thepresent invention are described herein below in conjunction with theflex-beam and the pitch case of the rotor of a rotary-wing aircraft orthe like, the assemblies, mechanisms, and methods of the presentinvention may be used in conjunction with any mechanical system or thelike including one or more moving/vibrating structures that it isdesirable to damp.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In various embodiments of the present invention, a fluid-elastomericdamper assembly includes at least a first elastomer seal, such as arubber seal or the like, disposed at a first end of thefluid-elastomeric damper assembly and a second elastomer seal, such as arubber seal or the like, disposed at a second end of thefluid-elastomeric damper assembly. The first elastomer seal is fixedlyattached or otherwise coupled to a first moving/vibrating structure,such as a flex-beam of the rotor of a rotary-wing aircraft or the like,and the second elastomer seal is fixedly attached or otherwise coupledto a second moving/vibrating structure, such as a pitch case of therotor of a rotary-wing aircraft or the like. The first elastomer sealand the second elastomer seal are both bonded, fixedly attached, orotherwise coupled to a housing structure including, for example, a firsthousing member and a second housing member. Together, the firstelastomer seal, the second elastomer seal, and the housing structure areoperable for containing a fluid, such as hydraulic fluid or the like. Aninternal pumping mechanism including one or more piston structures and apiston structure housing is also disposed within the housing structure.The internal pumping mechanism is grounded to or integrally formed withthe first moving/vibrating structure and moves in relation to thehousing structure and the second moving/vibrating structure to which thehousing structure is grounded. The internal pumping mechanism isconfigured such that, when the internal pumping mechanism moves withrespect to the housing structure and the second moving/vibratingstructure, the fluid surrounding and disposed within the internalpumping mechanism is pumped from a first chamber disposed within each ofthe one or more piston structures to a second chamber disposed withineach of the one or more piston structures through a restriction, i.e.,an orifice. Optionally, the relative size of the restriction iscontrolled by an adjustable pressure relief device and/or atemperature-compensating device. Advantageously, the first elastomerseal, the second elastomer seal, and the housing structure provide afluid-elastomeric chamber operable for containing the fluid and in whichthe internal pumping mechanism may be submerged. This fluid-elastomericchamber is flexible and allows the internal pumping mechanism to dampmovement/vibration in a primary direction with a relatively high dampingforce. Additionally, movement/vibration in a plurality of otherdirections are accommodated by the internal pumping mechanism by design,without damping force.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a fluid-elastomeric damperassembly includes a housing structure, a first elastomer seal coupled tothe housing structure, and a second elastomer seal coupled to thehousing structure. The housing structure, the first elastomer seal, andthe second elastomer seal define a fluid-elastomeric chamber operablefor containing a fluid. The fluid-elastomeric damper assembly alsoincludes an internal pumping mechanism disposed within thefluid-elastomeric chamber.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a fluid-elastomericdamper assembly operable for damping relative motion between a firststructure and a second structure includes a housing structure coupledthe first structure, a first elastomer seal coupled to the housingstructure, wherein the first elastomer seal is also coupled to thesecond structure, and a second elastomer seal coupled to the housingstructure. Again, the housing structure, the first elastomer seal, andthe second elastomer seal define a fluid-elastomeric chamber operablefor containing a fluid. The fluid-elastomeric damper assembly alsoincludes an internal pumping mechanism disposed within thefluid-elastomeric chamber, wherein the internal pumping mechanism iscoupled to the second elastomer seal.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a fluid-elastomericdamper assembly operable for damping relative motion between a firststructure and a second structure includes a housing structure groundedto the first structure and a plurality of elastomer seals coupled to thehousing structure, wherein the housing structure and the plurality ofelastomer seals define a fluid-elastomeric chamber operable forcontaining a fluid. The fluid-elastomeric damper assembly also includesone or more piston structures disposed within the housing structure andthe fluid-elastomeric chamber, wherein the one or more piston structuresare grounded to the first structure and driven by the second structure,and wherein the one or more piston structures each include a firstsubstantially fluid-filled chamber and a secondsubstantially-fluid-filled chamber in communication via an orifice, thefirst substantially fluid-filled chamber and the second substantiallyfluid-filled chamber also in communication with the fluid-elastomericchamber. The housing structure is operable for pumping the fluid throughthe orifice.

In a still further embodiment of the present invention, a method fordamping relative motion between a first structure and a second structureincludes grounding a housing structure to the first structure, couplinga plurality of elastomer seals to the housing structure, wherein thehousing structure and the plurality of elastomer seals define afluid-elastomeric chamber, and disposing a fluid within thefluid-elastomeric chamber. The method also includes disposing one ormore piston structures within the housing structure and thefluid-elastomeric chamber and grounding the one or more pistonstructures to the first structure, wherein the one or more pistonstructures each include a first substantially fluid-filled chamber and asecond substantially-fluid-filled chamber in communication via anorifice, the first substantially fluid-filled chamber and the secondsubstantially fluid-filled chamber also in communication with thefluid-elastomeric chamber. Again, the housing structure is operable forpushing the fluid through the orifice. The method further comprisingdriving the one or more piston structures with the second structure.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary of the invention, andare intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding thenature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanyingdrawings are included to provide a further understanding of theinvention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of thisspecification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of theinvention, and together with the description serve to explain theprincipals and operation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side (cord-wise) view of one embodiment ofthe fluid-elastomeric damper assembly of the present invention,highlighting an internal pumping device disposed with afluid-elastomeric chamber of the fluid-elastomeric damper assembly (thetop portion of FIG. 1 illustrating the internal pumping device, thebottom portion of FIG. 1 illustrating the fluid-elastomeric chamber);

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fluid-elastomeric damper assembly ofFIG. 1, again highlighting the internal pumping device disposed with thefluid-elastomeric chamber of the fluid-elastomeric damper assembly (thetop portion of FIG. 2 illustrating the internal pumping device, thebottom portion of FIG. 2 illustrating the fluid-elastomeric chamber);

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the fluid-elastomeric damperassembly of FIGS. 1 and 2, again highlighting the internal pumpingdevice disposed with the fluid-elastomeric chamber of thefluid-elastomeric damper assembly;

FIG. 4 is a side (cord-wise) view of the fluid-elastomeric damperassembly of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional front (beam-wise) view of thefluid-elastomeric damper assembly of FIGS. 1-4 (the top portion of FIG.5 illustrating the internal pumping device, the bottom portion of FIG. 5illustrating the fluid-elastomeric chamber);

FIG. 6 is another cross-sectional side (cord-wise) view of thefluid-elastomeric damper assembly of FIGS. 1-5 (the top portion of FIG.6 illustrating the internal pumping device, the bottom portion of FIG. 6illustrating the fluid-elastomeric chamber);

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional top view of the fluid-elastomeric damperassembly of FIGS. 1-6, again highlighting the internal pumping devicedisposed with the fluid-elastomeric chamber of the fluid-elastomericdamper assembly;

FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the fluid-elastomeric damperassembly of FIGS. 1-7;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the fluid-elastomeric damper assembly of FIGS.1-8; and

FIG. 10 is a front (beam-wise) view of the fluid-elastomeric damperassembly of FIGS. 1-9.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 14A-C show embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 18A-D show embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe detailed description which follows, and in part will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognizedby practicing the invention as described herein, including the detaileddescription which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferredembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying Drawings. The invention includes a fluid-elastomeric damperassembly with a reciprocating piston structure grounded to a firststructure and driven by a second structure with the piston structuresubmerged in a fluid and having a first fluid filled chamber and asecond fluid filled chamber which communicate via a pump restrictionorifice through which the piston forces the fluid through. The inventionincludes fluid-elastomeric damper assembly 10 includes a first elastomerseal 12, such as a rubber seal or the like, disposed at a first end 14of the fluid-elastomeric damper assembly 10 and a second elastomer seal16, such as a rubber seal or the like, disposed at a second end 18 ofthe fluid-elastomeric damper assembly 10. The first elastomer seal 12and the second elastomer seal 16 are fixedly attached or otherwisecoupled to a first moving/vibrating structure 20, such as a flex-beam ofthe rotor of a rotary-wing aircraft or the like, and the first elastomerseal 12 and the second elastomer seal 16 are fixedly attached orotherwise coupled to a second moving/vibrating structure 22, such as apitch case of the rotor of a rotary-wing aircraft or the like. The firstelastomer seal 12 and the second elastomer seal 16 are both bonded,fixedly attached, or otherwise coupled to a housing structure 24including, for example, a first housing member 26, a second housingmember 28, and a third housing member 70. The first elastomer seal 12and the second elastomer seal 16 are also both bonded, fixedly attached,or otherwise coupled to a substantially circular base plate 64.Together, the first elastomer seal 12, the second elastomer seal 16, thehousing structure 24, and the substantially circular base plate 64 areoperable for containing a fluid (not shown), such as hydraulic fluid orthe like. An internal pumping mechanism 30 (described in greater detailherein below) is also disposed within the housing structure 24. Theinternal pumping mechanism 30 is grounded to the first moving/vibratingstructure 20 and moves in relation to the housing structure 24 and thesecond moving/vibrating structure 22 to which the housing structure 24is grounded. The internal pumping mechanism 30 is configured such that,when the internal pumping mechanism 30 moves with respect to the housingstructure 24 and the second/moving vibrating structure 22, the fluidsurrounding and disposed within the internal pumping mechanism 30 ispumped from at least a first chamber 32 disposed within the internalpumping mechanism 30 to at least a second chamber 34 disposed within theinternal pumping mechanism 30 through a restriction, i.e., an orifice 86(FIG. 3,14A, 18). Optionally, the relative size of the restriction iscontrolled by an adjustable pressure relief device 36 and/or atemperature-compensating device 38 (both described in greater detailherein below). It should be noted that FIG. 1 illustrates an upperfluid-elastomeric damper assembly 10 (top portion of FIG. 1) includingan internal pumping mechanism 30 and a lower fluid-elastomeric damperassembly 10 (bottom portion of FIG. 1) without an internal pumpingmechanism 30. The lower-fluid-elastomeric damper 10 assembly may,optionally, include an internal pumping mechanism 30.

Advantageously, the first elastomer seal 12, the second elastomer seal16, the housing structure 24, and the substantially circular base plate64 provide a fluid-elastomeric chamber 40 operable for containing thefluid and in which the internal pumping mechanism 30 may be submerged.This fluid-elastomeric chamber 40 is flexible and allows the internalpumping mechanism 30 to damp movement/vibration in a primary directionwith a relatively high damping force. Movement/vibration in a pluralityof other directions are also accommodated by design, due to the couplingfeatures of the internal pumping mechanism 30. It should be noted thattwo (2) fluid-elastomeric damper assemblies 10 are illustrated and usedin combination such as in FIG. 1 (and in other drawings described hereinbelow) in order to damp lead-lag movement/vibration in the rotor of arotary-wing aircraft or the like. FIG. 1 illustrates an upperfluid-elastomeric damper assembly 10 (top portion of FIG. 1) includingan internal pumping mechanism 30 and a lower fluid-elastomeric damperassembly 10 (bottom portion of FIG. 1) without an internal pumpingmechanism 30. The lower-fluid-elastomeric damper 10 assembly may,optionally, include an internal pumping mechanism 30, for example asshown in FIG. 11.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first elastomer seal 12 disposed at thefirst end 14 of the fluid-elastomeric damper assembly 10 and the secondelastomer seal 16 disposed at the second end 18 of the fluid-elastomericdamper assembly 10 may, optionally, include a plurality of metal orsubstantially rigid laminates (shims) 50 (FIG. 3) or the like disposedwithin a rubber seal 52 (FIG. 3) or the like. This configurationprovides both the first elastomer seal 12 and the second elastomer seal16 with strength/rigidity and flexibility/pliability. Both the firstelastomer seal 12 and the second elastomer seal 16 may have asubstantially cylindrical or conical shape, although other suitableshapes may be utilized. In an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, the diameter of the second elastomer seal 16 is between aboutone-third (⅓) and about three-quarters (¾) the diameter of the firstelastomer seal 12. Other shapes and sizes may, however, be used asnecessary.

The first elastomer seal 12 is fixedly attached or otherwise coupled tothe first moving/vibrating structure 20, such as a flex-beam of therotor of a rotary-wing aircraft or the like, via a first attachmentmechanism 60. Likewise, the first elastomer seal 12 and the secondelastomer seal 16 (FIG. 5) are fixedly attached or otherwise coupled tothe second moving/vibrating structure 22, such as a pitch case of therotor of a rotary-wing aircraft or the like, via a second attachmentmechanism 62. The first attachment mechanism 60 may include, forexample, the substantially circular base plate 64 bonded, fixedlyattached, or otherwise coupled to the first elastomer seal 12 and thesecond elastomer seal 16. The base plate 64 is fixedly attached orotherwise coupled to one or more spanning members 66 that are, in turn,fixedly attached or otherwise coupled to a compliant member 68 (FIG. 5)associated with the first moving/vibrating structure 20. The base plate64, the one or more spanning members 66, and the compliant member 68 maybe made of, for example, a metal or any other substantially rigidmaterial. Optionally, the base plate 64, the one or more spanningmembers 66, and/or the compliant member 68 may be integrally formed.Although an exemplary first attachment mechanism 60 has been describedherein, any other first attachment mechanism 60 operable for fixedlyattached or otherwise coupling the first elastomer seal 12 and the baseplate 64 to the first moving/vibrating structure 20 may be used. As isdescribed in greater detail herein below, the second attachmentmechanism 62 fixedly attached or otherwise coupled to the secondmoving/vibrating structure 22 may, optionally, be integrallyformed/coincident with the housing structure 24 (FIG. 1). Optionally,the fluid-elastomeric damper assembly 10 of the present inventionfurther includes a gas charge/discharge valve 63 operable forintroducing damping fluid and/or a gas, such as nitrogen or the like,into and/or removing damping fluid and/or a gas from thefluid-elastomeric chamber 40.

The first elastomer seal 12 and the second elastomer seal 16 are bothbonded, fixedly attached, or otherwise coupled to the housing structure24, which may be made of, for example, a metal or any othersubstantially rigid material. In an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, the housing structure 24 includes a first housing member 26and a second housing member 28. The first housing member 26 may be asubstantially cup-shaped structure. Accordingly, the second housingmember 28 may be a substantially disc-shaped structure. Optionally, thehousing structure 24 may also include a third, substantially disc-shapedhousing member 70 that, together with the first housing member 26 andthe second housing member 28, serves as the second attachment mechanism62, fixedly attaching or otherwise coupling the first elastomer seal 12and the second elastomer seal 16 to the second moving/vibratingstructure 22. The first housing member 26, the second housing member 28,and the third housing member 70 may be bolted or otherwise attachedtogether, or they may be integrally formed. Together, the firstelastomer seal 12, the second elastomer seal 16, and the housingstructure 24 are operable for containing the fluid 72, such as hydraulicfluid or the like, in the fluid-elastomeric chamber 40. Thefluid-elastomeric chamber 40 partially formed by the first elastomerseal 12, the second elastomer seal 16, and the housing structure 24 may,optionally, have a plurality of circular diameters substantiallyconforming to the shape of the internal pumping mechanism 30 disposedtherein.

The internal pumping mechanism 30 disposed within the housing structure24 is grounded to the first moving/vibrating structure 20 and moves inrelation to the housing structure 24, which is grounded to the secondmoving/vibrating structure 22. The internal pumping mechanism 30includes one or more piston structures 80 disposed within a pistonstructure housing 82. Preferably, the one or more piston structures 80include one or more substantially cylindrical, hollow structures.Optionally, the one or more piston structures 80 and the pistonstructure housing 82 are integrally formed. Preferably, the one or morepiston structures 80 and the piston structure housing 82 are free tomove along one or more axially-extending structures 84 (FIG. 3), such ashollow and/or solid rods or the like, integrally formed with the pistonassembly. Preferably the piston structure housing 82 is grounded to thefirst moving/vibrating structure 20 by a stem piece (not shown) that maybe integrally formed with the base plate 64 or, optionally, may includea plurality of components. The piston structure housing 82 may beconstructed in multiple sections to allow grounding of the pistonstructure housing 82 to the stem piece of the base plate 64. The one ormore piston structures include a first chamber 32 and a second chamber34 separated by the piston assembly, with the first chamber 32 and thesecond chamber 34 in fluid communication through a pumping pistonrestriction, i.e., an orifice 86. The piston assembly extends throughthe piston structure housing 82 to the housing structure 24, to which itis grounded. A plurality of holes 88 are disposed within the walls ofthe one or more piston structures 80 and the piston structure housing82, allowing the fluid 72 to flow from the fluid-elastomeric chamber 40into the internal pumping mechanism 30. Additionally, clearance betweenthe piston structure housing 82 and the piston assembly allow fluid toflow from the fluid-elastomeric chamber 40 into the internal pumpingmechanism 30. The fluid transfer between the fluid-elastomeric chamber40 and the internal pumping mechanism 30 is controlled by the clearancearound the piston assembly. The orifices 86 represents the path of leastresistance for the fluid 72. The internal pumping mechanism 30 isconfigured such that, when the one or more piston structures 80 and thepiston structure housing 82 move with respect to the housing structure24 and the second/moving vibrating structure 22, the fluid 72surrounding and disposed within the one or more piston structures ispumped from the first chamber 32 to the second chamber 34 by themovement of piston structures 80 with the fluid 72 pumped back and forthbetween the first and second chambers through the orifice 86. As shownin FIGS. 1-3, the relative linear motion between the first movingstructure 20 and the second moving structure 22 drives the linearreciprocating motion of the internal pumping mechanism 30, and forcesthe flow of fluid 72 through the orifice 86 between the first chamber 32and the second chamber 34. As shown in FIGS. 11-14, the relative linearmotion between the first moving structure 20 and the second movingstructure 22 drives the rotational reciprocating motion of the internalpumping mechanism 30 with the rotation of the rotational plate piston 80forcing the flow of fluid 72 through the orifices 86 between the firstchambers 32 and the second chambers 34. Preferably a sliding actuatingpin decoupler ball linear to rotational linkage 200 and a linear torotational load transfer disk 300 couples the reciprocating linearmotion into the reciprocating rotational motion that drives therotational plate piston 80 in its piston channel and forces the pumpingflow of fluid 72 through orifices 86. As shown the pumping pistonrestriction orifice 86 can be in the rotational plate piston 80, in thestationary plate housing 82, and/or the clearance between the rotationalplate piston 80 and the housing 82. Preferably the actuating pintranslates the linear motion relative to the supporting structure intothe rotational motion of rotational plates radial pistons 80 which pumpsfluid 72 through restrictions 86 between the chambers. This fluidrestriction 86 creates fluid damping forces. The reciprocating rotatingradial piston structures 80 reduce the dynamic stiffness of the overallsystem by minimizing dynamic fluid forces on the elastomer portions ofthe damping device allowing for greater amounts of damping to begenerated over devices which rely on elastomeric interfaces to forcefluid motion. The rotational nature of the pistons allow for damping tobe generated through large amplitude linear motions of the supportstructure where linear motion pistons may be troublesome. As shown inFIGS. 15-18, the relative linear motion between the first movingstructure 20 and the second moving structure 22 drives the linearreciprocating motion of the internal pumping mechanism 30 with thelinear parallel motion of the twin plate pistons 80 in the parallelpiston slide channels 402 forcing the flow of fluid 72 through theorifices 86 between the first chambers 32 and the second chambers 34.Preferably a sliding actuating pin decoupler ball linear linkage 400couples the reciprocating linear motion into the reciprocating linearmotion of center piston slider 404 in piston slider center channel 403and twin plate pistons 80 in parallel piston slide channels 402 andforces the pumping flow of the fluid through orifices 86. As shown thepumping piston restriction orifice 86 can be in the plate piston 80, theclearance between the edge of plate piston 80 and the walls of theparallel piston slide channels 402, and/or in the housing 82 such asorifices 86 through the housing walls separating piston slide channels402 and piston slider center channels 403. The linear motion of platepistons 80 in parallel piston slide channels 402 pumps fluid 72 throughrestrictions 86 between the chambers 32 and 34. As shown in FIGS. 15-18preferably the internal pumping mechanism 30 includes a pair of linearlyreciprocating plate pistons 80 that linearly reciprocate in a pair ofparallel piston slide channels 402, driven by a piston slider 404 thatlinearly reciprocates in a piston slider center channel 403. In apreferred embodiment the internal pumping mechanism 30 includes areciprocating plate piston 80 in a piston channel, most preferably alinearly reciprocating plate piston 80 in a piston slide channel 402.

The invention includes a fluid-elastomeric damper assembly 10 operablefor damping a relative motion between a first structure 22 and a secondstructure 20, the fluid-elastomeric damper assembly 10 comprising: aplurality of elastomer seals 12, 16 coupled to the housing 24 of thefirst structure 22, wherein the first structure housing 24 and theplurality of elastomer seals define a fluid-elastomeric chamber 40operable for containing a fluid 72; an internal pumping mechanism 30with at least one fluid moving piston 80 disposed within the firststructure housing 24 and the fluid-elastomeric chamber 40, wherein theinternal pumping mechanism 30 is grounded to the first structure anddriven by the second structure, and wherein the at least one piston 80forces said fluid 72 through at least one orifice 86 between a firstsubstantially fluid-filled chamber 32 and a secondsubstantially-fluid-filled chamber 34 which are in fluid communicationwith the fluid-elastomeric chamber 40; and wherein said relative motionbetween said first structure 22 and said second structure 20 is operablefor pumping the fluid 72 through said at least one orifice 86. In apreferred embodiment the at least one fluid moving piston 80 is alinearly reciprocating piston structure that pumps said fluid with alinear motion. In an alternative preferred embodiment the at least onefluid moving piston 80 is a rotational plate and pumps said fluid with arotational motion.

The invention includes a method for damping a relative motion between afirst structure 22 and a second structure 20. The method comprisesgrounding a housing 24 to the first structure 22; coupling a pluralityof elastomeric seals 12,16 to the housing, wherein the housing 24 andthe plurality of elastomeric seals 12,16 provide a fluid-elastomericchamber 40 for containing a fluid 72; disposing a fluid 72 within thefluid-elastomeric chamber 40; disposing an internal fluid pump 30 withat least one fluid moving piston 80 within the housing and thefluid-elastomeric chamber and grounding the internal fluid pump 30 tothe first structure, wherein the internal fluid pump 30 comprises afirst substantially fluid-filled chamber 32 and a second substantiallyfluid-filled chamber 34 in communication via at least one orifice 86,said first substantially fluid-filled chamber 32 and said secondsubstantially fluid-filled chamber 34 in communication with thefluid-elastomeric chamber 40; wherein said relative motion between saidfirst structure 22 and said second structure 20 drives said at least onefluid moving piston 80 to pump said fluid 72 through said at least oneorifice 86. In a preferred embodiment the at least one fluid movingpiston 80 is a linearly reciprocating piston and pumps said fluid 72through said at least one orifice 86 with a linear motion. In analternative preferred embodiment said at least one fluid moving piston80 is a rotational reciprocating piston and pumps said fluid 72 throughsaid at least one orifice 86 with a rotational motion.

The invention includes a method of making a rotary-wing aircraftfluid-elastomeric damper assembly 10 for damping a relative motionbetween a first rotary-wing aircraft structure 22 and a secondrotary-wing aircraft structure 20 in a rotary-wing aircraft. The methodincludes coupling a plurality of elastomeric seals 12, 16 to a housing24, wherein the housing 24 and the plurality of elastomeric seals 12, 16provide a fluid-elastomeric chamber 40 for containing a fluid 72;disposing an internal fluid pump 30 with at least one fluid movingpiston 80 within the housing 24 and the fluid-elastomeric chamber 40 andgrounding the internal fluid pump 30 to the first structure, disposing afluid 72 within the fluid-elastomeric chamber 40 wherein the internalfluid pump 30 comprises a first substantially fluid-filled chamber 32and a second substantially fluid-filled chamber 34 in communication viaat least one orifice 86, said first substantially fluid-filled chamber32 and said second substantially fluid-filled chamber 34 incommunication with the fluid-elastomeric chamber 40; wherein saidrelative motion between said first structure 22 and said secondstructure 20 drives said at least one fluid moving piston 80 to pumpsaid fluid 72 through said at least one orifice 86. In a preferredembodiment said at least one fluid moving piston 80 is a linearlyreciprocating piston that pumps said fluid 72 through said at least oneorifice 86 with a linear motion. In an alternative preferred embodimentsaid at least one fluid moving piston 80 is a rotational reciprocatingpiston that pumps said fluid 72 through said at least one orifice 86with a rotational motion. In a preferred embodiment the fluid movingpiston 80 is a reciprocating plate piston in a piston channel, mostpreferably a pair of linearly reciprocating plate pistons 80 in a pairof parallel piston slide channels 402.

Thus, the first elastomer seal 12, the second elastomer seal 16, thehousing structure 24, and the base plate 64 provide a fluid-elastomericchamber 40 operable for containing the fluid 72 and in which theinternal pumping mechanism 30 may be submerged. This fluid-elastomericchamber 40 is flexible and allows the internal pumping mechanism 30 todamp movement/vibration in a primary direction with a relatively highdamping force.

Referring to FIG. 7, as described above, an adjustable pressure reliefdevice 36 and/or a temperature-compensating device 38 may be disposedwithin the one or more hollow axially-extending structures 84 (i.e., thepiston assembly) that carry the one or more piston structures 80. Theadjustable pressure relief device 36 includes a spring-loaded member 90(FIG. 3) that partially protrudes into the orifice 86 (FIG. 3),selectively blocking a portion thereof and restricting the flow of fluidtherethrough. The spring-loaded member 90 of the adjustable pressurerelief device 36 is displaced in the presence of relatively high fluidpressure. The amount of force required to displace the spring-loadedmember 90 of the adjustable pressure relief device 36 may be adjustedvia an adjustment mechanism 92 (FIG. 3) disposed within the housingstructure 24. Additionally, the spring-side of the hollow structurecommunicates with the fluid-elastomeric chamber 40 via one or more holes93 (FIG. 3) disposed within and through the walls of the hollow portionof the piston assembly 84. These communication holes 93 allow a pressuredifferential to occur between the relatively high dynamic pressure atthe orifice 86 and the steady ambient pressure of the fluid-elastomericchamber 40, actuating the adjustable pressure relief device 36. Thetemperature-compensating device 38 includes a temperature-sensitivemember 94 (FIG. 3) that partially protrudes into the orifice 86,selectively blocking a portion thereof and restricting the flow of fluidtherethrough. Preferably, the temperature sensitive member has apredetermined thermal expansion coefficient such that the degree of flowrestriction may be varied for a given change in temperature. Thepressure relief device 36 and the temperature-compensating device 38work together to provide a predetermined degree of damping. Thegrounding of the piston assembly to the housing structure 24 isaccomplished by means of one or more retaining structures. The one ormore retaining structures may be solid and/or hollow and allow for theadjustment of the internal mechanisms of the fluid-elastomeric damperassembly 10. Preferably, the one or more retaining structures form anintegral seal with the piston assembly and the housing structure 24. Theone or more retaining structures may allow access to either or both, ifmultiple retaining structures disposed adjacent to the appropriatemechanisms are used, the adjustable pressure relief device 36 and/or thetemperature-compensating device 38.

FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 provide several other views of the fluid-elastomericdamper assembly of the present invention, for use in conjunction with atypical flex-beam helicopter rotor assembly.

It is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with theassemblies, mechanisms, and methods of the present invention, afluid-elastomeric damper assembly including an internal pumpingmechanism. Although the assemblies, mechanisms, and methods of thepresent invention have been described with reference to preferredembodiments and examples thereof, other embodiments and examples mayperform similar functions and/or achieve similar results. All suchequivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention and are intended to be covered by the followingclaims.

1-7. (canceled)
 8. A fluid-elastomeric damper assembly operable fordamping a relative motion between a first structure and a secondstructure, said fluid-elastomeric damper assembly including: at least afirst elastomer seal fixedly attached to a housing, said at least firstelastomer seal and said housing providing an external fluid-elastomericchamber operable for containing a damper fluid, an internal pumpingmechanism, said internal pumping mechanism including a firstsubstantially fluid-filled pumping chamber, a second substantiallyfluid-filled pumping chamber, at least one internal pumping restrictionbetween said first substantially fluid-filled pumping chamber and saidsecond substantially fluid-filled pumping chamber and at least one fluidmoving internal pumping piston pumping said fluid through said at leastone internal pumping restriction with a linear motion, said internalpumping mechanism disposed within said external fluid-elastomericchamber with said first internal pumping mechanism in fluidcommunication with said external fluid-elastomeric chamber, wherein saidinternal pumping mechanism is driven by said relative motion betweensaid first structure and said second structure and said at least onefluid moving internal pumping piston forces said fluid through said atleast one internal pumping restriction between said first substantiallyfluid-filled pumping chamber and said second substantially fluid-filledpumping chamber wherein said internal pumping mechanism does not rely onsaid first elastomer seal to pump said damper fluid through said atleast one internal pumping restriction.
 9. The fluid-elastomeric damperassembly of claim 8, wherein said at least one fluid moving piston is alinearly reciprocating piston structure.
 10. The fluid-elastomericdamper assembly of claim 8, wherein said housing includes asubstantially cup-shaped member.
 11. The fluid-elastomeric damperassembly of claim 8, wherein said housing includes a substantiallydisc-shaped member.
 12. The fluid-elastomeric damper assembly of claim8, including a substantially cylindrical elastomer seal.
 13. Thefluid-elastomeric damper assembly of claim 8, having a plurality ofcircular diameters. 14-32. (canceled)